“PLEASE EXCUSE THE INTERRUPTION,” Ms. Madge’s voice announces over the P.A. system. “WILL THE OWNER OF THE YELLOW PORSCHE, LICENSE PLATE B-K-B-O-S-S, PLEASE MOVE YOUR VEHICLE? YOU ARE PARKED ILLEGALLY AND BLOCKING A SCHOOL BUS FROM THE DROP OFF POINT.”
I raise an eyebrow at the superintendent. “Big Burger King fan?” I ask.
His laugh is loud and forced. “Funny, Oliver.” He clears his throat, looking at his watch. “Well, will you look at the time,” he says. He places his coffee mug on my desk as if it is his own personal coaster. “I have a meeting over at PS 100 in five minutes,” he laughs. “I’ll never make it there in time.”
Yes, because being disrespectful of people’s time is hilarious.
“Oliver, it’s been a pleasure. Remember what I’ve told you. We’re watching you. Go tell that teacher the position is hers. In fact, you should’ve been up there ten minutes ago.” His chuckle is a grating, grinding thing.
He pauses suddenly, a lightbulb seeming to pop up above his head. He’s so dim that you can see it turn it on. He looks at me for a moment. Leaning forward, eyes boring into mine, he says, “Oliver, I’ve known from the beginning of your tenure here as principal that you have wanted to move up the ladder to work in my office. You’ve proven time and time again that you are able to improve schools.”
He stands up from his chair and buttons his jacket. “Consider this your last test. Your final round of the interview.Get that class’s test scores up, and you have a place in my office, as my very own Deputy Superintendent.”
I blink at him, thoughts racing.God fucking dammit. Her? For this? My smile is forced as I stand up to shake his hand. “Noted, Mr. Daniels. I’ll do my best. Have a great day.” He leaves without a glance back.
I blow out a breath, inexplicably irritated now. This is it. This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
New list. Or rather, an addendum to my list of professional goals. And another addendum to my list of things to do.
Fix this school
Get it to a strong, stable place to leave for my predecessor
Start by getting upstairs, hiring Georgia Baker, and then ride her ass into the fucking ground
Get a promotion to our District Office.
I text Lina.
Make sure she’s not a complete psychopath, but otherwise, she’s hired. Will explain later.
??
Just need a body.
I slip my phone back into my pocket and head upstairs to start down the list.
FOUR
Georgia
